The prostate is one of the most important glands for sexual functioning and male reproduction, and cancer may form in this gland at some point in a man’s lifetime. Prostate cancer usually affects men who are over the age of 65, but men of all ages and lifestyles can develop prostate cancer. By making yourself aware of these seven signs of prostate cancer, you and your doctor may be able to detect and treat the cancer sooner if it develops.
Groin Pain or Pressure
If you feel ongoing pain or pressure in the groin, a cancerous or noncancerous tumor has possibly enlarged your prostate’s size. The pain or pressure may also radiate to your lower back and the tip of your penis. It should be noted, however, that an enlarged prostate isn’t always caused by cancer and can be related to old age or other benign factors.
Back Numbness
While you might feel pain and pressure in certain areas of your body, you are also likely to experience numbness. You can develop these symptoms in your hip area, lower back, and even chest area. These feelings could also be followed by the sensation of pain or tingling. In this case, it is highly recommended to contact your doctor about these symptoms as they are signs of possibly developing cancer. However, there is a chance it is not cancer but other health-related issues.
Trouble Urinating
You might struggle to urinate if prostate cancer is blocking urine flow from your bladder. The growth of the prostate from cancer often constricts the urethra, which is the tube where urine passes from your body. You may notice a slow or weak urine stream, or you might have trouble urinating altogether if the tumor is larger.
Frequent Urination
Trouble starting or stopping your flow of urination is definitely a sign of prostate cancer, though so is frequent urination. There is a chance a tumor has developed on your prostate and is putting pressure on your bladder. This causes constant and sometimes even urgent needs to urinate. Especially if it is more frequent at night, it is important to follow up with your provider to get clearance or instructions on where to go next.
Bloody Urine or Semen
If your urine or semen has an unusual red, pink or tea-like color to it, prostate cancer may be the cause. However, blood in the urine or semen can also be caused by an infection, a groin injury, or another noncancerous condition. If you’re noticing blood in your urine or semen, a urologist can perform tests to determine whether prostate cancer or some other medical condition is the cause.
Erectile Dysfunction
Different physiological and psychological issues can cause erectile dysfunction. Though you shouldn’t automatically rule out prostate cancer if you have trouble getting or maintaining an erection without another known cause. Prostate cancer can inhibit the blood flow that’s needed to make the penis erect.
Bowel Abnormalities
Prostate cancer isn’t always confined to just the prostate gland, and the cancer could spread to other parts of the body. If you are having ongoing problems with constipation or bowel incontinence or are noticing blood in your stool, advanced prostate cancer may have spread to your gastrointestinal tract. An enlarged prostate from cancer can also cause bowel problems for some men.
These possible signs of prostate cancer should never be ignored and should be brought to the attention of a medical professional as soon as possible. With early detection and treatment, your chances for long-term remission and survival will likely be greater.
